Responsibility for the governance of the Crossrail programme has now moved to sit directly with Transport for London (TfL) as operator and maintainer of the railway.
Delivery of the Elizabeth Line is now in its final stages with a comprehensive plan to complete the railway focused on the remaining construction and systems integration, followed by intensive operational testing.
TfL and the UK Department for Transport (DfT) worked with Crossrail Ltd (CRL) to agree the transition plan to move the project to TfL, ensuring that decision making between CRL and TfL is aligned during the final phases of the programme.
High-level oversight will be provided by a Special Purpose Committee of the TfL board, to be known as the Elizabeth Line Committee. This committee will include members of the TfL board and a special representative from the DfT as joint sponsor of the project.
Furthermore, an Elizabeth Line Delivery Group comprised of senior members of TfL, London Underground and CRL, under the chairmanship of transport commissioner Andy Byford, will oversee the delivery of the project.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he will work closely with Byford to ensure the railway is open as soon as possible. “I’d like to thank Tony Meggs, Nick Raynsford and the rest of the Crossrail Board who have led the delivery of this vital project over the last two years.
“We are all aware that times have been challenging for Crossrail Ltd and we would have all liked to see more progress made,” Khan continued. “But now is the right time for the project to transition to TfL as stations and other assets are handed over and in advance of trial running getting underway.”
TfL currently remains in discussions with the DfT about funding of the additional costs to complete the railway.
